More than 1,100 students from 60 Jewish middle and high schools brought 214 robots to a national competition in New York, where teams raced to collect balls, stack pins and score points before the clock ran out. The tournament, organized by the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education, was the culmination of 17 regional events held throughout the school year and drew participants from several states.

The nonprofit launched the competition five years ago to provide an alternative to mainstream events often scheduled on Saturdays, which prevented Sabbath observant schools from പങ്കെടുക്കing. Students design and rebuild their robots over months, learning coding, engineering principles and teamwork along the way. Coaches guide the process but encourage students to solve problems independently and collaborate, often pairing with unfamiliar teams during matches.

Organizers and education advocates say the event reflects a growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math in Jewish day schools, even as schools face challenges hiring qualified teachers and funding programs. Enrollment in Jewish schools has risen in recent years, increasing demand for stronger academic offerings to prepare students for a changing workforce.

Inside the arena, the atmosphere resembled a sports tournament, with referees counting down matches and students cheering as robots scooped, lifted and deposited game pieces. For many participants, the competition offered both a technical challenge and a spirited outlet beyond traditional athletics.